The Roaming Reporter is the number one source for the 411 in arts, culture, food, music and theatre in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island.
Shuga Henry, the Roaming Reporter, journey's through the fantastic boroughs of New York reporting on the amazing happenings.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

My roaming adventures in Canada has been quite festive. Coming from New York I thought I knew what cold was. To my surprise, I did not really understand real cold weather until I visited Canada. Never the less, I quickly learned the proper dress code and all was good. So, I have complied a list of the Best Top 5 things you must eat when traveling to Toronto. Enjoy!

5. Fanzorelli's Restaurant & Wine Bar

Fanzorelli'sis a wonderful Italian restaurant located in the downtown area of Brampton, Ontario. The interior is quaint and romantic with beautiful paintings of Italian scenery on the walls. The delicious smells of the Italian flavors envelops you as soon as you walk through the door. My cousin Keesha, a native of Canada told me she has been dining at Fanzorelli's for 12 years. Her most favorite dish that she has been ordering for 12 years isFarfelle, which is fresh roasted peppers pureed in a cream sauce with diced grilled chicken presented on a mountain of bow tie pasta. Keesha also stated that in all the years she has been visiting there, the staff has always been very welcoming and friendly. The owner, Mr Anthony is always there to greet the patrons with a warm smile. Fanzorelli's offers great food, large scrumptious portions, flavorful mixed drinks, delectable desserts and excellent customer for a reasonable price. http://www.fanzorellis.ca/index.html

4. Ketchup Chips

Ketchup Chips is a must have in Canada. It is a staple well-loved snack that can only be found in Canada. I first learned of Ketchup Chips in the early 90's from my Canadian cousins. At the time, Herr's was the distributor of the chip. When the flavour was introduced in the early-1980s by Herr’s, the recipe
was changed three times before everyone was satisfied. The chip has been
consistently sold and adored ever since. The chips are potato chips, that are treated
with a ketchup-based powder that turns them red and adds the flavor of
ketchup. Most recently, Lay's has started producing Ketchup Chips. However, I don't feel the company has captured the original taste of the beloved chip. This version tasted more like salt and vinegar chips. You can hardly taste the signature ketchup taste. So on your visit to Canada look for Herr's or Hostess Ketchup Chipsand get the authentic flavour of this tasty treat. http://www.herrs.com/products/chips/ketchup.html

3. Poutine

As I journeyed around town, I kept seeing ads for something called Poutine. This dish was being offered at many establishments even McDonald's so I had to get the full scoop on this foreign dish. I learned from the locals that poutine is a common Canadian dish originated from Quebec in the late 1950's. The word poutine is the meaning "fries with cheese and gravy." Poutine is made with French fries and topped with a light brown gravy-like sauce and fresh cheese curds. The French fries are of medium thickness then fried so that the inside stays soft while the outside is deliciously crunchy.

This fast food dish can be found all across Canada and also in some places in northern United States. It was suggested that I visit a restaurant called Poutine ( http://www.poutinedaretobefresh.ca/) in downtown Brampton, Ontario for my first sample of this exotic dish. I must say that the poutine was delicious. The fries tasted crunchy and fresh. I learned from the owner that the fries are freshly cut and fried everyday. The gravy had a traditional gravy taste with a hit of other spices that the owner explained was their secret sauce. Well, whatever the secret it, it's delicious. I had the classic poutine. The menu also showcased loaded poutine, Philly Cheese Steak poutine, chili-cheese supreme, vegetarianand much more.

I did a little research and learned that the great taste of poutine can be experienced and enjoyed in New York. Below are links to a few establishment that serve this mouth-watering dish.

2. The Burger's Priest

I learned of The Burger's Priest from another local referral. Amongst the many burger joints in Toronto, The Burger's Priestreigns supreme. I was told that this establishment was featured on Toronto's Burger Wars as the best chow in town. The Burger's Priest, which is a classic American cheeseburger jointis the brain child of owner/chef Shant Mardirosian. After graduating seminary school, Mardirosian realized being a priest wasn't the future for him. So he took his love of hamburgers and being a good Christian and created the Burger's Priest. (Read more of Shant Mardirosian's Burger story http://www.yongestreetmedia.ca/features/burgerspriest040312.aspx ). Since opening its first shop at Queen and Coxwell in June 2010, the
classic American-style burger joint rapidly gained a devout following.

photo credit: www.nowtoronto.com

I had the California Classic. I was told that is was one of the most popular. I really enjoyed this burger. The meat was tender, seasoned well and very juicy. The manger told me the beef is always fresh and I could taste the freshness in the burger. A custom blend of ultra premium beef is ground multiple times a day on premise. The meat was sandwiched between a lightly buttered and grilled fluffy bun. The meat was coated with priest sauce, a slice of melted cheese, caramelized onions with lettuce and tomato - amazing. I mean the burger literally melted in mouth. My side of fries were divine. The crisp and awesome flavor was heavenly. The manager told me the French fries are first blanched and then fried to lock in the flavor. Overall, the Burger's Priest was a sinfully indulgent time. The lines can get a little lengthy. However, it's well worth the wait. http://www.theburgerspriest.com/menu/

1. Harlem Restaurant

My most finger- licking discovery was Harlem Restaurant located in downtown Toronto. Harlem Restaurant serves a fusion of Southern Caribbean cuisine. From the moment I walked into the establishment, I feel in-love. There were so many lip-smacking choices, I had a difficult time choosing. Thankfully, owner/ chef Carl Cassell suggested I try the signature dish of Chicken and Waffles. And oh was it extraordinary roller coaster ride for my taste buds. Read full review Harlem Restaurant Review

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About Me

A native of the beautiful island of Jamaica W.I., Shuga Henry is a well known director, playwright, producer, singer, actress and teaching artist. The performing arts have always been a staple in her life.

Shuga participates in educational programs for children, adults and seniors. She offers workshops and classes in performing arts, storytelling, creative writing, leadership and social etiquette for schools, libraries, churches and organizations.